4q-instructiondead-sea-scrolls
4QInstruction 1
An instructor addresses a disciple of the Holy Order with the foundational charge: meditate continually on the raz nihyeh — the mystery of being, the hidden pattern underlying all creation. God established every thing according to its appointed time and season before it was made, dividing the inheritance of every living thing and fixing the wages of every work unto everlasting. Knowing this mystery is the condition for discerning good from evil, truth from iniquity, wisdom from folly. The closing exhortation sharpens the stakes: failure to know one's day of visitation is the mark of the fool; the wise son gathers and stores what has been revealed against the hour of need.
1
And thou, O understanding one — meditate upon the mystery of being. Study from of old the source of all wisdom. Know what hath been, and what is, and what is to be.
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All these things did God set in order before they were made. He hath fashioned each one according unto its time and unto its season. The mystery of being is the foundation of all His works. Whosoever knoweth this mystery, the wisdom of the Lord is upon him.
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Day and night meditate upon the mystery of being. Study it continually. Then thou shalt know the truth and the iniquity, the wisdom and the folly. Thou shalt know every act, in all its appointed time, every visitation in all its season.
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Then shalt thou know the difference between good and evil according unto their works; for the God of knowledge is the foundation of truth. By the mystery of being He hath laid the foundation; He hath fashioned it with wisdom; He hath ordered it with all cunning skill.
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He hath divided the inheritance of every living thing; and He hath set down the law of every spirit. Concerning the children of dust hath He determined every visitation; the wages of every work hath He set before Himself unto everlasting.
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Therefore, my son, walk in the truth. Cleave unto the wisdom of God. Take instruction from the mystery of being. The fear of the Lord shall be the beginning of thy understanding; the seeking of the Lord shall be thy continual delight.
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Be not as a fool which knoweth not the day of his visitation. Be not as a sluggard which sleepeth in the day of harvest. Be not as a wicked one which trampleth upon the gift of God. But be thou as a wise son which gathereth the wisdom of the Lord, and storeth it up in his heart, against the day of need.
